Beaucoup de Garlic

The Son et Lumiere last night was a reinactment of the Battle of Verdun and took place in a giant quarry on the outskirts of the town. We were bussed there and back from a point about 2miles from the hotel, so it was a very tired Lord and Lady who got back to their beds at 1am this morning.

The long lie didn't materialise, but we didn't join the cycle run, and instead strolled about town visiting the Cathedral and then the Friday market and the indoor food market where I got this blip of garlic and onions.

And so after a lunch of fruit and bread, we had a siesta and then found the sun had reappeared and it was time to get the bikes out and have a run to the hub of the Semaine and linger with all the other cyclists.

I can't get over the colour involved in all the team strips..... it's like looking at a huge aviary of brightly coloured birds. And the bikes are something else. Beautiful and light but I suspect the gearing is quite high, and the less fit do struggle a bit on the hills. Quel dommage!

Our Edinburgh CTC colours are so uninspiring and dull, and of course warm to cope with the weather at home that not one of our contingent is flaunting them. We are a ken speckled bunch to be sure.

Tomorrow will be the last cycling day and it's a hilly one.His Lordship will set the pace so that the sunscreen and the sweat don't mix in an unattractive river down our faces.

Sunday will see the closure ceremony with all the cyclists in their countries riding round the streets of the town in a farewell to the people of Verdun.
I'm looking forward to that........ but not just because it will be flat......oh dear me no!